Cat Sense by John Bradshaw

Have you ever wondered what your cat was thinking? If so, check out the new book Cat Sense by John Bradshaw which seeks to understand the behaviors and idiosyncrasies of cats. A biologist at the University of Bristol in England, Bradshaw has been studying the behaviors of cats for more than 30 years. Some of his findings on the ways in which cats express themselves are very interesting indeed.

For example, Bradshaw says that domestic cats see their owners simply as larger cats, and greet them as such. When a cat enters a room with their tail up and rubs against a person’s leg, they are offering a friendly greeting. But let them come to you first. Bradshaw recently told The Huffington Post, “Research has shown that when people interact with their cats, the interactions tend to go on for longer if they’re started by the cat — many cats seem to need to go through the tail-up/rub ritual in order to feel comfortable, and may not have time to do it if it’s the person who makes the first move.”

Purring is not just a sign of contentment but has a larger meaning. It can often mean that the cat needs help from another cat or person. Purring can be taken as a signal for others around them to pay attention to them and for the cat to let others know that they’re not a threat.

The big question Bradshaw answers – how can you tell if your cat actually likes you? A fair question of course. Three telltale signs to look for:

The tail up/rubbing greeting, resting in contact with you (as in your lap) and grooming. If your cat is doing any one of these three, you’re in luck! Check out Bradshaw’s book for more fascinating insights into the feline world.